Numéro
J. Phys. Colloques
Volume 42, Numéro C1, Janvier 1981
Conférence Internationale sur les Matériaux pour la Conversion Photothermique de l'Energie Solaire
Page(s) C1-173 - C1-189
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jphyscol:1981112
Conférence Internationale sur les Matériaux pour la Conversion Photothermique de l'Energie Solaire

J. Phys. Colloques 42 (1981) C1-173-C1-189

DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1981112

MATERIALS PROBLEMS IN EVACUATED SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS

G.L. Harding et B. Window

School of Physics, University of Sydney, N.S.W. 2006 Australia


Abstract
An investigation of the absorptance and emittance of selective absorbing surfaces based on reactively sputtered metal carbide films is described. These surfaces exhibit good stability at 300 °C in vacuum. Novel techniques have been developed for evaluation of absorptance and temperature dependent emittance of selective surfaces incorporated in assembled collectors. Thermal conduction losses in evacuated collectors due to low pressures of H2O, N2, He, Ar, H2 and CO have been determined. Methods for improving the efficiency of evacuated collectors, by using antireflection layers on the glass envelope or selective surfaces of enhanced absorptance are discussed.